• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.30
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• pp.47-70
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• 2023

In 2019, the first excavation survey was conducted at the Temple Site No. 4 of Yaksugok Vally in Namsan Mountain, Gyeongju to determine the original location of the headless stone Buddha statue and the structure of the temple site. The survey excavated a stone Buddha head that was confirmed in a comparative analysis to be petrologically and mineralogically identical to a headless stone seated Buddha statue found derelict nearby. Traces of gold leaf and black adhesive were found on a portion of the right side of the face of the Buddha head buried in the ground. Since it is exceedingly rare for lacquer and gilding techniques to have been applied to a large stone Buddha statue without a base layer, this study examines the gilding techniques of the time by analyzing the characteristics of the materials used. In this process, the structure of the gold foil was observed through analytical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and the gold (Au) component was identified. As a result of analyzing the black adhesive using pyrolysis-gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry (pyrolysis-GC/MS), pyrolysis compounds such as hydrocarbons, fatty acids, catechol, and catechol oxidation products were detected. This was identical to the characteristics identified upon analyzing lacquer collected from species of lacquer tree whose main component is urushiol. Therefore, it was confirmed that the stone Buddha head excavated from the Temple Site No. 4 of Yaksugok Valley was separated from a nearby stone seated Buddha statue, and that the gold foil was attached using lacquer sap collected from lacquer trees, which grow in Korea, China, and Japan.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.375-387
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• 2007

The Iksan Mireuksaji stone pagoda, designated as national treasure No. 11 in Korea, has been in the process of disassembling for reconstruction as part of the cultural heritage conservation program. The pagoda is mainly consisting of granite, which is relatively resistant to weathering. However, it has lost its original rock color due to various contaminants deposited at the surface since it exposed to the atmospheric environment long time. In this research, we categorized the secondary inorganic contaminants into the genetic type, and also quantitatively examined occurrences and types of pollutants in the oxidation area of the pagoda surface in which the area is clearly distinguished by naked eyes. Geochemical behavior of soluble pollutants through reaction experiments are demonstrated, and effective methods of cleaning for the conservation and scientific applicability of the surface cleaner are also studied.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.87-94
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• 2012

This study was focused on digital restoration and surface depth modeling applying the three-dimensional laser scanning system of the Haeundae Stone Inscription. Firstly, the three-dimensional digital restoration carried out acquiring of point cloud using wide range and precision scanner, thereafter registering, merging, filtering, polygon mesh and surveyed map drawing. In particular, stroke of letters, inscribed depth and definition appearing the precision scanning polygon was outstanding compared with ones of the wide range polygon. The surface depth modeling completed through separation from polygon, establishment of datum axis, selection of datum point, contour mapping and polygon merging. Also, relative inscribed depth (5~17mm) and outline by the depth modeling was well-defined compared with photograph and polygon image of the inscription stone. The digital restoration technology merging wide range and precision scanning restored the total and detailed shape of the Stone Inscription quickly and accurately. In addition, the surface depth modeling visibly showed unclear parts from naked eye and photograph. In the future, various deteriorations and surrounding environment change of the Stone Inscription will be numerically analyze by periodic monitoring.

• Conservation Science in Museum
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• v.27
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• pp.103-124
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• 2022

This study examined the properties of the materials used in the three-story pagoda at Jangha-ri, Buyeo. It was performed in order to identify the objective condition of the pagoda and establish an appropriate plan for the conservation treatment of the pagoda. According to the study, the average total magnetic susceptibility was 3.71 (10^-3 SI unit), and at least four types of granite with different origins were likely used in the production of the pagoda. The ultrasonic velocity averaged 1,519m/s, and the coefficient of weathering showed an average of grade 4. The thermal gradient between the cement (restoration materials) and original materials was identified through thermal imaging. In some areas, the cement restoration materials required replacement with new stone materials with properties similar to those of the original stone materials. Taking into account these results, a map of weathering damage was prepared and appropriate conservation treatment plans were established based on the findings of previous studies. Since the pagoda had suffered severe biological damage and discoloration, surface contaminants were removed through wet cleaning with distilled water and a brush. The exfoliated areas were reinforced on the site by mixing epoxy resin with powdered stone with the same properties as the original stone materials of the pagoda.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.22-37
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• 2021

The wind chime is a longstanding Jangeomgu (majestic article) found in Korea, China, and Japan. However, basic research on wind chimes is currently inadequate as it is difficult to estimate the time of production, and there are few relics. Therefore, this research morphologically classifies the eight bronze wind chimes decorating the baldachin of the Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva of Gwanchoksa Temple, Nonsan. Based on this, the manufacturing techniques and production period are scientifically demonstrated. The synthesis of the research results reveals that the structure and characteristics of the wind chimes of the Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva of Gwanchoksa Temple, Nonsan differ depending on their location on the baldachin. The four large-sized wind chimes on the lower-baldachin were manufactured by casting a Cu-Sn-Pb alloy, and they are estimated to have been made during the early period of Goryeo. The two medium-sized wind chimes of the upper-baldachin's northern direction were manufactured through forging a Cu-Sn or Cu-Sn-Pb alloy, and they appear to have a similar structure to the cylindrical wind chimes appearing during the latter period of Goryeo and the Joseon period. The two small-sized wind chimes of the upper-baldachin's southern direction were manufactured by casting a Cu-Sn-Pb alloy containing Zn, and based on the chemical composition of the alloy and the shape of the clapper, they are estimated to have been manufactured during the latter period of Joseon. Through the observation of microstructures and a chemical composition analysis, it is demonstrated that two wind chimes of the lowerbaldachin were manufactured by casting and slow cooling the alloy with an alloy ratio of Cu:Sn:Pb≒80:15:5. In addition, it is estimated that the wind chimes of the upper-baldachin's northeast direction were manufactured by forging an alloy of Cu-Sn with a similar alloy ratio to that of forged high tin bronze. The results of a comparative analysis of prior research on domestic wind chimes confirm that two wind chimes of the lower-baldachin have a similar composition ratio to the wind chime excavated from Wolnamsaji in Gangjin, containing an amount of tin that corresponds with ancient records. Having a similar alloy ratio to forged high tin bronze, the wind chimes of the upper-baldachin's northeast direction are the only instances among all of the wind chimes that have been examined to date that were manufactured using this forging method. The purpose of this research is to collect baseline data to verify and classify the manufacturing period of wind chimes according to their morphological characteristics based on scientific evidence. It is hoped that this data can be utilized for the restoration and conservation processes of the wind chimes of the Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva of Gwanchoksa Temple, Nonsan.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.305-319
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• 2012

The Myeongdongseongdang Cathedral, which was designated as Historic Site No. 258 in Korea, is a representative cathedral of Korean Catholic church designed by a French priest Eugene-Jean Georges Coste and completed in 1898. It is a Gothic-styled architecture constructed with bricks and stones. Lithological and mineralogical analyses determined that holy stone relics were made of marble and granite, and foundation stones are of pink feldspar granite. Deterioration mapping and ultrasonic measurement revealed main weathering and damage were exfoliation (40%) and black discoloration (37%) in the holy water basin, and exfoliation (6%) and discoloration (46%) in the exterior foundation stones. Ultrasonic velocity of the stones were calculated as 3,525m/s in the holy water basin and 2,795m/s in the exterior stones that indicated these stones were sorted into moderately to highly weathered rock. This was resulted from moisture and atmospheric pollutants around the cathedral.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.186-197
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• 2022

The Daejanggakgibi Stele of Silleuksa Temple in Yeoju is a stone stele from the Goryeo Dynasty that is inscribed with various stories about the construction of Daejanggak, a place where Buddhist scriptures were kept. This stele has been maintained for a long time in a state in which discoloration of the body has occurred, and the inscription has been partially damaged due to dozens of cracks. Using non-destructive analysis methods for stone artifacts, material investigation, portable X-ray fluorescence analysis, and ultrasonic velocity analysis for the stele were performed. It was confirmed that the stele body was composed of light gray crystalline limestone, and the base stone, support stone, and cover stone were medium-grained biotite granite. Portable X-ray fluorescence analysis confirmed that iron(Fe) was an original coloring element of the stele surface. From the distribution pattern of the coloration, it can be inferred that iron-containing materials flew down from between the stele body and the cover stone. Thereafter, living organisms or organic contaminants attached to it so that yellow and black contaminants were formed. Ultrasonic diagnosis revealed that the physical property of both the front and back surfaces ranged from fresh rocks(FR) to completely weathered rocks(CW), and the average weathering index was grade 3(intermediate). However, the point where cracks developed intensively was judged to be the completely weathered stage(CW), and some cracks located in the upper and lower parts of the stele bear potentially very high risk. It is necessary to monitor the movement of these cracks and establish reinforcement measures for conservation in the future.

• 한국지구물리탐사학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2004.08a
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• pp.70-83
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• 2004

The safety diagnosis of cultural assets is Primarily focused on its non-destructiveness. Research on the nondestructive diagnosis and conservation of masonry cultural heritage is the key which is considered by technologic kernel. Geophyscial Prospecting as nondestructive diagnostic technology plays an important role in the characterization of the foundation of stone pagodas. It is natural that understanding of shallow subsurface condition beneath them is essential for their structural safety diagnosis. As an example, the nondestructive geophysical methods were applied to two three-story stone pagodas, Seokgatap (height 10.8 m, width 4.4 m, weight 82.3 ton) and Dabotap (height 10.4 m, width 7.4 m, weight 123.2 ton) which were built in 791 at Bulkuksa temple. An earlier archaeological investigation shows that stone pagodas have experienced severe weathering process and are slightly leaning, which will threaten their stability At the base part of Dabotap, an offset of the stone alignment is also observed. Direct measurements of ultrasonic velocities was introduced for the mechanical properties of the stone The velocity ranges of ultrasonic waves for Dabotap and Seokgatap are 1217${\~}$4403 m/s and 584${\~}$5845 m/s, respectively, and the estimated averages of the uniaxial compressive strength are 463 kg/$cm^2$ and 409 kg/$cm^2$, respectively. Site characteristics, around the pagodas are determined by the measurement of multiple properties such as seismic velocity, resistivity, image of ground-penetrating radar, On the basis of the higher velocity structure, the site of Seokgatap appears to have solider stability than the Seokgatap site. Near the pagodas, higher(up to 2200 $\Omega$m) resistivity is present whereas their outskirts have as low as 200 $\Omega$m. By the combined results of each geophyscial methods, the subsurface boundaries of two stone pagodas are revealed. The Dabotap site is in the form of an octagon having 6-m-long side with the depth of ${\~}$4 m, whereas the Seokgatap site is the 8 ${\times}$ 10 m rectangle with the depth of 3 m. These subsurface structures appear to reflect the original foundations constructed against the stone load of ${\~}8 ton/m^2$. At the subsurface beneath the northeast of each pagoda, low seismic velocity as well as low resistivity is prominent. It is interpreted to represent the weak underground condition which Is the possible cause of the slightly leaning pagodas toward the NNW.

• Bangmulgwan gwa yeongu (The National Museum of Korea Journal)
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• v.1
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• pp.278-305
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• 2024

Gelatin dry plate photographs dating to the Japanese colonial era and the official documents from the Japanese Government-General of Korea Museum in the collection of the National Museum of Korea are significant materials documenting cultural heritage in North Korea before it was severely damaged in 1950 during the Korean War. There has been an increase in recent years in studies of Buddhist sculptures in North Korea based on these photographs and documents. This paper presents some new comments on the Buddhist sculptures at Seongbulsa Temple in Hwangju, one of the most famous temples in Hwanghae-do Province, based on the related existing research outcomes. This paper aims to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the Buddhist sculptures at Seongbulsa Temple by chronicling its history based on historical records, examining its current status, and exploring in detail the production dates and backgrounds of the Buddhist sculptures featured on gelatin dry plates. Prior to Korea's liberation from Japan in 1945, Seongbulsa housed at least seven sculptural items: two Bodhisattva statues, four Buddha statues, and a triad. Two items are from the early Goryeo period, one is from the late Goryeo period, three are from the early Joseon period, and one is from the late Joseon period. Among them, two surviving items are noteworthy. One is the early Goryeo-era Stone Seated Bhaishajyaguru Buddha photographed in Eungjinjeon Hall at Seongbulsa Temple. A close examination of a schematic drawing of the sculpture's pedestal made at the time it was photographed reveals that its material accords with the materials used for the headless Stone Seated Bhaishajyaguru Buddha and pedestal currently found in the old Sangwonam Hermitage site in the Inner Geumgang Valley of Jeongbangsan Mountain. This accordance could mean that the statue is a new significant example of early Goryeo Buddhist sculpture in North Korea. The other notable sculpture is the Gilt-bronze Seated Amitabha Buddha Triad created in 1454 (the second year of the reign of King Danjong) and discovered in Geungnakjeon Hall at Seongbulsa. This statue is currently in the collection of the Sariwon History Museum in Hwanghae-do Province. It is an important example of a dated small gilt-bronze Buddhist statue from the early Joseon period found in North Korea. This paper is a case study of Buddhist sculptures in North Korea, focusing on Seongbulsa Temple. Further utilization of the National Museum of Korea's gelatin dry plates will contribute to developing the study of the history of Korean Buddhist sculpture.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.242-281
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• 2010

There are a large number of Buddhist cultural relics in Mt. Namsan. The cultural relics carry the spirit of people of Shila who dream of Buddhist Elysium and the establishment of Buddhist nation. In the valley and the top of the mountain and on various rock cliff, stone statues of Buddha and stone pagodas stand in harmony with nature. For that reason, Mt. Namsan is called an open-air museum. And it played an important role in establishing 'The UNESCO World Heritage' status for Gyeongdju in December 2000. But sadly, there are many stone relics that have eroded away and damaged from collapsing in the passage of time. The seated stone statue of Buddha in Samreoung valley of Mt. Namsan is one of them. It was created between the 8th and 9th century, and restored without much care nor extensive historical research in 1923. As a result, The face of the Buddha remained with concrete mortar and its nimbus fallen backward and destroyed. Therefore, restoration and repair as well as creation of a statue environment for the statue were urgent. So we immediately started in restoration and repair. First, through the archaeological excavation around the stone Buddha, we carried the stone Buddha on the original position. In order to restore the statues to its original glory created by the Unified Shila Dynasty, we created a restoration plan in corporation with art historians and historians, then restored the jaw and the damage nimbus. Second, we made the weathering & damage map of the stone Buddha. In order to prevent second damage, we cleaned the surface of contaminants with distilled water. Third, we studied restoration method to prevent artificial damage. We recreated parts of his face and halo. Then each parts of the statue were restored to their original position. In the whole process of restoration, we tried to use traditional techniques.